DOWNTOWN. A distinctive, modern, loftlike interior sets this hotel restaurant apart from the herd. Large concrete columns, lots of stainless steel, and exposed ductwork play backdrop to New American cuisine with touches of France and Asia. A miso veggie burger and ahi tuna are lunch and dinner favorites, respectively. A pleasant bar is a great pre- or post-dinner hang-out spot. Although the restaurant is a favorite for sophisticated dinners, families are welcome, too ­ there's even a special menu for little ones.

LAFAYETTE SQUARE. Eleven Eleven has gotten a lot of buzz since opening ­ and expectations are skillfully met. Set in a former factory, the restaurant is a cozy mix of brick, wood, leather, and copper. It features two levels, fireplaces, and an exhibition kitchen, and it's become a regular destination for city diners. The menu treads the ground between Californian and Italian fare, offering dishes like roasted venison loin, seared halibut, and braised rabbit with goat cheese polenta (a signature). They're a great prelude to dessert treats like a crème custard napoleon with bananas and chocolate and to the locally-favored gooey butter cake, whose richness is tempered with a glass of cold milk.

The menu is never the same at this extremely popular California-styled restaurant, where the creative cuisine combines flavors and textures with superb flair. Sample whole roasted black bass on a bed of Israeli couscous mixed with sautéed bok choy and chanterelle mushrooms, or fettuccine with scallops, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, and sherry mushroom sauce. Reservations are an absolute necessity.

MIDTOWN. At this relaxed neighborhood nightspot, a rare, exquisite bar fashioned of tiger's-eye oak is a natural focal point where folks congregate and imbibe. In addition, since 2001, oenophiles have been able to slip next door to the connected Gold Star Bar, where a praiseworthy list features 40 wines to enjoy by the half-bottle or glass. It also boasts French doors that open to a patio, perfect for sitting and savoring a great vintage as the sun sets. Whether you opt for the traditional bar experience of the main dining area or the bistro-style Gold Star, you'll find your niche at King Louie's.

CENTRAL WEST END. Grab a seat in the cheerful outdoor area and enjoy tasty, innovative New American fare at this casual cousin of The Crossing. The informed staff are glad to guide you through the menu; you might want to start with mint-tinged chilled calamari salad and then transition to grain mustard-encrusted salmon with asparagus and capers in smoked tomato sauce. Textures and tastes collide happily in dishes like "day boat" scallops accompanied by warm romaine and mushrooms. A winning wine list brings out subtle flavors in each dish.